Dolphins vs. Browns: TV Info, Spread, Injury Updates, Game Time and More

The Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns hope to become AFC playoff contenders in 2013, and a win in Week 1 will give one team a running start toward that goal. 

The last time either one of these teams made it to the postseason was in 2008, when the Dolphins went 11-5 with quarterback Chad Pennington leading the charge. 

Both teams feature second-year quarterbacks—Ryan Tannehill and Brandon Weeden—who must improve upon their discipline and decision-making in 2013 if their teams are to have any chances of making the playoffs.

Thankfully, both teams have provided explosive offensive playmakers to assist in this development. But since they both feature defenses capable of wreaking havoc on opposing offenses, Week 1 could be a mixed bag for these young quarterbacks.

In the end, execution and turnovers will be the determining factors.

Here's what you need to know about this pivotal Week 1 contest.

When: Sunday, Sept. 8, 1 p.m. ET

Where: FirstEnergy Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio

Watch: CBS

Live Stream: NFL Sunday Ticket

Betting Lines (via Covers)

• Over/Under: 41 pts.
• Spread: Cleveland (-2)

Dolphins Injury Report (via NFL.com)

Jamar Taylor	CB	Groin	Out
Dion Sims	TE	Groin	Probable
Dion Jordan	DE	Shoulder	Probable
Jimmy Wilson	S	Hamstring	Probable
Jonathan Freeny	LB	Shoulder	Probable
Vaughn Martin	DE	Ankle	Probable
Dimitri Patterson	CB	Ankle	Questionable
Will Davis	CB	Toe	Out
Pat Devlin	QB	Ankle	Out

Browns Injury Report (via NFL.com)

Jordan Cameron	TE	Groin	Probable
Garrett Gilkey	G	--	--
Buster Skrine	CB	Shoulder	Questionable
Eric Martin	LB	Foot	Probable
Shawn Lauvao	G	Ankle	Out
Ahtyba Rubin	DE	Calf	Questionable
John Hughes	DT	--	--
Christopher Owens	CB	Foot	Probable
Gary Barnidge	TE	--	--
Davone Bess	WR	Knee	Probable
Barkevious Mingo	LB	Lung	Out
Desmond Bryant	DE	Back	Probable
Jabaal Sheard	LB	Illness

Which 2nd-Year Quarterback Will Shine?

After looking sharp in his first two preseason games, Weeden put together an underwhelming performance in the team's third game, which was the unofficial tuneup for the regular season. In that game, Weeden completed fewer than half his passes and averaged just 4.2 yards per completion. 

Tannehill, on the other hand, started out slowly this preseason but came on strong as the weeks progressed. He finished the preseason with 377 yards and three touchdowns on 56 attempts, and better still, he didn't throw a single pick.

The second-year quarterback who plays the best in this upcoming contest will likely lead his team to a much-needed first win.

Prediction

This is an interesting matchup to open the season.

Miami's defense is more stable than Cleveland's. New Browns defensive coordinator Ray Horton has some talented players at his disposal, but it will likely take some time to work the kinks out as they work to get comfortable in his 3-4 scheme.

On offense, the Browns will need a big game from Trent Richardson on the ground to keep Miami's pass-rushers from pinning their ears back and rushing Weeden without mercy. Miami's defense was stout against the run last season, however, meaning Richardson will face some tough sledding on Sunday. 

Miami's offense will be hard pressed to make headway against Cleveland, too, but in the end the Dolphins will come away with a hard-earned victory on the road. 

Final Score

Dolphins 21, Browns 17

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